Vehicle Description
1936 Ford 48 Series Phaeton
"While phaetons are typically an open 4 door with no side windows
and a separate windshield, a convertible sedan is a later iteration
with an integral windshield and roll up windows. Phaetons usually
shared the separate windshield and posts, cowl, and front doors of
their roadster counterparts." Thx Hagerty.com
For consignment, a 1936 Ford 48 Series Phaeton showing 6,435 miles
but the true miles are unknown. The 1936 sales brochure boasts
about the Phaeton, "An attractive body type, combining modern style
and modern V-8 performance. Long, trim, swagger lines." Indeed, the
unimpeded shoulder line and hood that's been brought forward "over
the distinctive new radiator grille" really does create a beautiful
profile.
Exterior
Black paint covers the car in fine fashion, reflecting the sun and
our interior lights with all the gloss of a modern car, shining
bright in a beautiful presentation. The black is contrasted by a
red pinstripe and the tan canvas top and its wood lined frame. As
the style for times, the narrow V-shaped grille is tall, going from
the gently curved chrome bumper up to the hood, with the sides
conforming to the curvature of the front fenders in a subtle but
distinctive design note. A polished metal center rib shoots over
the hood and connects visually with the windscreen frame. Side
mirrors occupy both sides and robust metal door handles along with
other metal work that include light rings, vent trimlines, and the
upscale spear that lines the running board, are all in very nice
condition. The color keyed steel 16-inch wheels wear V8 embossed
hubcaps, beauty rings, and wide white wall tires while the spare is
encased in a color matched container with a mock Ford hubcap and a
thin white wall band. In front, yellow fog lights stand out and
give an heir of prestige over the gently curved bumper. The canvas
top has a line of stains and there are a few minor paint
imperfections, but overall, the car is clean and show worthy.
Interior
Saddle vinyl covers the inner doors with three smooth panels
delineated by a horizontal line of piping, and it looks great on
all four doors. The front and back bench seats utilize the same
material and are well padded with decorative stitch lines running
vertically and over the lowers and the seats are intact and in very
good condition, with the rear passengers having endless legroom to
stretch out. A banjo style steering wheel is ringed in brown
plastic and the wonderful wood dashboard appears to be one
continuous piece of coated, dark wood and the asymmetrical glove
box fits like a puzzle piece. Three gauges for the driver provide
eight points of information and taupe knobs are in the center for
other functions. A white marble handle on the floor mounted
shifter, a polished hand brake, and a tan rubberized floor cover
completes the coordinated palette of colors for the interior. The
top of the dash and the door headers bring in the black from the
exterior for a wonderful blend with the grains in the wood.
Drivetrain
With an engine cover lifted, we see a very clean compartment
housing a 221ci flathead V8 rated at 90 horsepower and fed fuel by
a 2-barrel carburetor. A 3-speed manual transmission throws the
horses to the back axle where they are met with 4.11 gears and
slowed with mechanical drum brakes front and rear.
Undercarriage
Clean and dry underneath where we find a simple layout of an
X-frame and single exhaust which runs the length of the car before
entering a stock style muffler and out the back. Transverse leaf
spring suspension is utilized in the front and back. The underside
is uniformly black with a complete lack of surface rust.
Drive-Ability
Of the ten 1936 models summarized in the sales brochure, the
Phaeton was only one of two or three that appear to have been built
to appeal to a fun factor. One can imagine a pleasurable open air
ride, experienced ultimately with the top in the stowed position,
was a luxury in 1936. This is a comfortable ride with adequate
power underfoot, smooth gear changes, and braking that is matched
to the power. All functions worked as expected and there's not much
to go wrong. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these
functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot
guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your
purchase.
This pre-war beauty is somewhat rare. Less than 6,000 were produced
in 1936 and it's hard to know how many of the bygone era remnants
are still with us. It's a spectacular example, coveted by old Ford
enthusiasts, and now is available at Classic Auto Mall.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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